Cherokee National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Cherokee National Forest, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
$14 - $32 / night
"Large swimming pool, TONS of historical events around, hiking & river walks. Super clean and new bath houses as well. Honors Tennessee state discounts. If possible make reservations online."
"The drive in follows the TN “Sunnyside Early Country Trail” through picturesque farmland with mountains in the near distance. Do your shopping before arrival, there’s nothing close to the park."
"This site says you can’t have dogs but I saw dogs all around us at the campground. Idk."
"With mountains in the distance and the constant rush of the French Broad River, the setting is awesome. Even the occasional train whistle gives me a feeling of nostalgia and of simple days."
$10 / night
"Having both RV and tent campgrounds, each with large fire pits and lantern stands, this peaceful creekside setting lies just beyond low mountain farms in the northern part of Greene County Tennessee."
"Nice trails."
"Nolichucky Gorge is right next to USA Raft, same road, same entrance to the left. Veteran owned and well maintained. The staff is friendly and professional. River view sites, other sites and cabins."
"This is a great spot located right next to USA Raft. There are a handful of tent only riverside camping spots with RV sites set back from the river."
"Big open area for the dogs. Clean laundry. Plenty of areas for the kiddos. Friendly staff. Definitely a good place to stay"
"Conveniently located close to highway 81 and town!"
"The road intersects with the Appalachian trail so you might meet up with some thru hikers. I recommend walking all the way up to rich mountain fire tower."
"Good access and hand full of spots scattered around on NFR 31. Please pack in what you pack out."
"Dogs welcome. There were a lot of people there with horses when I went. They have a small pool. Facilities were clean. Bring bug spray! In summer the mosquitoes were terrible!"
$20 - $50 / night
"Convenient location in the Cherokee National Forest that is close to the Appalachian Trail and the Nolichucky River. Campground is popular with families and busy on weekends."
"There isn’t too much of any one activity in/near the campground but lots more in the greater area. Cons: just plan to drive to another area if you’re staying for a few days (not really a con though)."
$50 / night
"Drive in is a nice paved road, got our information on where our sites where from the Camp Host, Who was super informative."
"Cosby is about half an hour outside of Gatlinburg and worth every minute.
A16 was big and shady. There were a few steps down to it. Plenty of trees and distance to the nearest neighbors."
TravelerConvenient location in the Cherokee National Forest that is close to the Appalachian Trail and the Nolichucky River. Campground is popular with families and busy on weekends. Sites are levelish, semi-private, and wooded. Loop B has power poles at each site (didn't check the other loops) and a nice bathhouse. Host was particularly helpful.
GuideThere are trails of wide variety in length and difficulty from nearly flat to very difficult. This state park opened in 2015 and is still under construction. Currently there are connecting trails into Cherokee National Forest as well as excellent trout fishing in streams that are stocked weekly during summer.
There is an interpretive area where guides offer presentations in the summer. Portable toilet is maintained at the parking lot.
The Fork River Trail offers one of the the most picturesque locations in the Blue Ridge and is accessible (with assistance) for some jogging strollers and some wheelchairs. The trail is composed of very coarse gravel for the first .1-.3 miles before turning to dirt.
The website is helpful.
LegendThe Asheville KOA is very pet and RV friendly. There are a number of walking trails of easy to moderate difficulty that run throughout the property. The dog park is a great place to let the pups off of the leashes for a bit. Staff pickup trash daily between 10-11AM at your site, but dumpsters are easily accessible.
We camped here in our 22' travel trailer. The back in sites are mostly level with a mix of dirt and gravel. If you're looking for a sunny spot, request one of the even-numbered back-ins. If you would prefer to be mostly in the shade, go for an odd-numbered spot. 20/30/50 amp electric, cable, water and sewer were easily accessible at each site. Camp sites are not very large, so be mindful of volume and lights with respect to your neighbors.
LegendGreenbriar campground is located in Pittman Center, west of Gatlinburg, adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains. The campground is certainly one of the nicest camping spots I’ve n the area. The campground is very large, and has multiple camping options. They have tent and rv spots, as well as cabins, but I also saw some teepee style tent cabins. The campground is very wooded, so you feel like you are getting a legitimate Smoky Mountain camping experience. The pigeon river runs through the campground, and is great for fishing, or swimming/tubing in summer. There is a dog park also, and the campground is pet friendly. This campground has so many things to do, and it is very popular, so if you want to camp here, I would suggest booking early, because spots are booked months in advance. The campground is very quiet at night, with just the sounds of nature. There is a camp store, with firewood, and you’ll want to enjoy a campfire, even in the middle of summer. I Highly recommend Greenbriar Campground for camping in the Smokies.
GuideYou really can’t pass this one up. If you are road tripping from Great Smokey to Shenandoah this is the perfect one or two night way point. We opted for two nights and were stunned with the views from the hemlock loop. We booked before the site filled up and got the best site of the loop — site 006. I don’t know if we’ll ever be back because it was a bit out of the way for us.
It is primarily a boat/fishing recreation area in Cherokee National Forest, but it works as a perfect get away. Similar to other NF campgrounds the sites are huge and offering full or partial shade. We lucked out and got there during peak autumn colors. Being that we booked a month out we didn’t realize the campground would close the other loops our weekend causing our loop to be full the whole weekend. The atmosphere was respectful.
We did a day trip to Asheville, NC since we are not boat ppl and got to experience a great day in the city.
These are largely primitive sites, but offer some great amenities regardless. Very big picnic tables, shared water, bathrooms, and a boat ramp.
Alcohol isn’t permitted but it seemed like everyone ignores that rule. Bring your own firewood as what they were offering needed to be chopped. We didn’t bring our axe so we had to run out for some wood at a gas station.
Also the road into the campsite has several switchbacks and blind turns. Locals breeze through it, but if you are hauling an very large trailer/RV be prepared. It would be tough to make some of these turns in a vehicle the size of a greyhound.
Sunset is worth it. If we can come back, we will.
TravelerOther than rain almost every day, we enjoyed this spot while checking out Asheville and Biltmore Estate. The campground is very wooded, allowing for shady space. The showers were decently clean. Garbage is picked up at your site, or you can recycle next to the shower house which is not located far for the back section, which we were in, with full hookups. We enjoyed the trail through the woods that circles the whole campground. Our dog enjoyed the dog park. There is a pool and camp store.
LegendThis campground was pristine - from the moment we turned the corner, until the moment we left!
We met Kimberly within seconds of pulling on the property. She was incredibly kind and made us feel at home immediately. As tent campers, she told us our best choices were a 30 amp site on the river ($50) or a 30-amp site off the river ($44). These prices are steep for tent camping, but include 2 adults, kids and pets. Additional adults come with a fee, but we were happy the kids were included. Not only were the pets included, but they have a dog park area that they can run free and stretch their legs!
We came into the cute little office where Kimberly gave us a campground map (which was painted by a resident camper glass blower) and told us about her property. Several items were on sale inside the store, including many shirts, sweatshirts, hats, etc. They also sell kids fishing poles, stickers and even a fresh coffee cup machine. They have recently renovated the bathhouse (wait until you see it!) they have a library with books and games, an outdoor sink to wash dishes etc. and even a laundry room that operates on the honor system. How great is that! I thought it was wonderful that we could wash a wet sleeping bag or a quick load of stinky hiking clothes if necessary! Kimberly explained that they have a pretty good mix of short and long term campers (primarily RV's) and even a cute little cabin that can be rented.
Kimberly said that they choose not to allow on-line bookings to maintain the atmosphere that they desire. You can call, or submit a request, but they want to have a conversation with you before booking. The campground was calm, friendly and so so clean. Campers were friendly, the campground host was as kind as could be, and so proud about her new bathrooms. (See below). This is the kind of campground we would feel good about our kids biking around in the evening as they chase fire flies and meet new friends!
The campground was located on the river, but the slope was challenging from several sites. With kiddos, I may prefer a site closer to the road because it was nearly a flat walk out to the river. We will surely be back!
LegendSites: 60 Pull thrus
RV-Tent-Cabins 15-30-50 amp service
Hot showers, pool, pets allowed, toilets, laundry, small grocery store This is only of couple of miles off I40 in the rolling hills of Tennessee, very quiet and well maintained. Sites ae a bit close together but not on top of each other. Gravel pads, fire rings, picnic table, trash. Beautiful green space and dog walk area. Enjoy the hiking.
LNT
Travel safe
ScoutGreat and clean unless you have a very active dog and you're sorta out of shape. Their dog park extremely small and hilly and has holes you need to watch. The yellow jackets were terrible and I got stung while just sitting at our site. Also a hike to take garbage to their dumpster. Some sort of pickup or maybe bear proof cans half way point, also more flat area for dog walks. If they would take in some of the area around the horse shoe area that would help too .
Discovering pet-friendly camping options near Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee opens up a world of adventure for you and your furry friends. With a variety of well-reviewed campgrounds, you can enjoy the great outdoors without leaving your pets behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Cherokee National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Cherokee National Forest is Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 20 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 276 dog-friendly camping locations near Cherokee National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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